The positive sentiment witnessed in Abu Dhabi since the beginning of the year is driving sales prices up. With the lack of units available for sale in quality developments in Al Raha Beach for example, prices have risen by 19 to 26 per cent compared to the previous year, with some of the smaller units in Al Bandar trading at as high as Dh1,520 per sq ft.

Similarly, Marina Square and Sun & Sky Towers on Reem Island have witnessed good levels of growth, up by 14 and 18 per cent respectively, but they are still 43 per cent and 50 per cent below their respective price spikes in 2008.

Nonetheless, Asteco expects that with the handover of The Gate Towers by year end, the amount of competing supply is likely to hamper growth in the short to medium term. This may be further amplified with the delivery of City of Lights by end of 2014, although delays are likely.

In continuation of last year’s trend, Reef Villas are still the most popular development, attracting not only Abu Dhabi residents but also return commuters from Dubai, with a five bedroom villa now achieving up to Dh2.6 million compared to Dh2.1 million last year, which is still 29 per cent lower than its 2008 peak. Sales prices for villas in Golf Gardens and Al Raha Gardens rose 9 per cent and 13 per cent year-on-year but are still 28 per cent and 26 per cent respectively below 2008 levels.

“While prices are moving upwards very quickly, investors should be confident that there is no bubble scenario imminent. If we compare Q3 2013 prices for these developments to the 2008 boom, it’s an altogether different picture,” said Jeremy Oates, general manager, Abu Dhabi, Asteco Property Management.

“Besides Sun & Sky Towers and Marina Square, Al Muneera and Al Zeina are 31 per cent and 33 per cent respectively below their 2008 highs; so there is still a long way to go for the market in terms of appreciation,” he added.

The leasing market has witnessed similar trends with rents increasing by over 20 per cent in many areas compared to the previous year, including high and mid-end properties. This is mainly due to government employees returning to the city, following the implementation of the September 2012 decree governing their emirate of residence.

Dubai commuters are predominantly attracted to the new properties within the city in locations such as Raha Beach, Al Reef and Reem Island, with little interest in the older Main Island real estate. With the exception of Al Reef villa rentals which grew by 14 per cent year-on-year, Golf Gardens, Al Raha Beach and Al Raha gardens saw modest 3 per cent to 8 per cent annual increases, the report said.

“Prime properties such as Nation Tower and St Regis Residences have seen little growth, given the limited availability in the market. However, if any of the desirable units were to become vacant, we believe that potential tenants would be willing to pay a significant premium on current rates,” said Oates.

Rental prices for high end apartments on Abu Dhabi Island and the new Investments Areas such as Marina Square and Khalidya/Al Bateen climbed on an average by 20 per cent to 29 per cent respectively, while flats in central Abu Dhabi and the Corniche are now leasing for 43 per cent and 42 per cent below their 2008 levels, it said. -TradeArabia News Service